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**Commemorating 20 Years Since the Final Operational Flight of the Iconic F-104 Starfighter**
In the annals of aviation history, few aircraft have left as indelible a mark as the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter. Known for its sleek, needle-like design and blistering speed, the F-104 was a symbol of Cold War-era technological prowess and innovation. As we commemorate 20 years since the final operational flight of this iconic aircraft, it is worth reflecting on the Starfighter's remarkable legacy, its contributions to aviation, and the reasons it continues to captivate the imaginations of aviation enthusiasts around the world.
### The Birth of a Legend
The F-104 Starfighter was born out of a desire to create a high-performance, supersonic interceptor that could outpace and outmaneuver any potential adversary. Designed by the legendary aeronautical engineer Clarence "Kelly" Johnson and his team at Lockheed's Skunk Works, the F-104 first took to the skies on March 4, 1954. It was a radical departure from the aircraft of its time, featuring a razor-thin fuselage, short trapezoidal wings, and a powerful General Electric J79 turbojet engine that allowed it to reach speeds exceeding Mach 2.
The Starfighter's design was optimized for speed and altitude, and it quickly earned the nickname "The Missile with a Man in It." Its performance was nothing short of extraordinary, setting numerous world records for speed and altitude during the 1950s and 1960s. In 1958, the F-104 set a world speed record of 1,404.19 mph (2,259.82 km/h), and in 1959, it reached an altitude of 103,395 feet (31,513 meters), setting a new world record for altitude.
### Operational History
The F-104 entered service with the United States Air Force (USAF) in 1958, primarily as an interceptor. However, its operational career with the USAF was relatively short-lived, as the aircraft's limited range, payload capacity, and high landing speeds made it less suitable for the evolving needs of the Air Force. By the mid-1960s, the USAF had largely phased out the F-104 in favor of more versatile aircraft like the F-4 Phantom II.
Despite its brief tenure with the USAF, the F-104 found a second life with numerous NATO and allied air forces. The aircraft was produced under license in several countries, including Germany, Italy, Japan, and Canada, and it became a mainstay of NATO's air defense during the Cold War. The F-104's speed and climb rate made it an effective interceptor against high-altitude threats, and it was used extensively in air policing and reconnaissance roles.
However, the Starfighter's operational history was not without controversy. The aircraft's high landing speeds and unforgiving flight characteristics earned it
